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First optical and synthetic aperture radar commercial satellite constellation

First optical and synthetic aperture radar commercial satellite constellation

Technology News |
By eeNews Europe



The satellite constellation is expected to comprise a minimum of 16 satellites (8 optical and 8 SAR) flying in two orbital planes, with each plane consisting of four satellite pairs, equally-spaced around the orbit plane. Each pair of satellites will consist of a dual-mode, high-resolution optical satellite (video and pushbroom) and a dual-band high-resolution SAR satellite (X-band and L-band) flying in tandem.

The constellation will provide what the company anticipates to be unmatched space-imaging capabilities, including high collection capacity, optical and SAR data fusion, weather-independent high-resolution imaging using the SAR, target revisit, and imaging latency. By flying the satellites in tightly-paired SAR and optical tandem formations, the constellation is expected to offer a number of innovative capabilities, including onboard real-time processing, cross-cueing between the satellites, and real-time cloud imaging on the leading SAR satellites that enables cloud avoidance in the trailing optical satellites. By employing two orbital planes, the constellation will allow for maximum revisit rates in the mid-latitudes, while providing the company with global coverage extending to the poles.

UrtheCast has entered into Memoranda of Understanding ("MOU’s") with multiple customers and partners, including an MOU from a confidential customer to provide US$195 million of funding for the constellation during the build phase of the program (expected to be 2016-2020). As these MOU’s are successfully converted to binding definitive agreements, these customers will provide further support and funding for the satellite constellation.

UrtheCast’s strategic implementation partner for the satellite design and build is UK-based Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd., (SSTL), a leading smallsat manufacturer, owned by Netherlands-headquartered Airbus Group SE.

UrtheCast’s strategic implementation partner for building out the Constellation’s mission planning system, distributed ground stations, SAR payload integration, mission analysis and flight dynamics is Spain-based ElecnorDeimos Space.

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